The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up in the 2025 NFL Draft, acquiring the second overall pick from the Cleveland Browns. The James Gladstone Jaguars used the selection to draft Colorado wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter.
The Jaguars moved up three spots from their original fifth overall pick. In return for the No. 2 pick, Cleveland received the Jaguars' No. 5 pick, a second-round pick in 2025, and a first-round pick in 2026.
League executives and scouts offered varied reactions to the trade. Several sources from other teams questioned the amount of draft capital the Jaguars surrendered to move up just three spots. Some suggested the Browns received a favorable outcome. Sources from seven different teams preferred the Cleveland Browns’ outcome, they told Yahoo Sports.
Cleveland drafted Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham with the fifth pick obtained from Jacksonville. The Browns' general manager, Andrew Berry, noted the move provided assets for both the present and future. After trading the No. 2 pick, the Browns take DT Mason Graham fifth overall.
James Gladstone, the Jaguars general manager, spoke about the decision to pursue Hunter. He described the process as working with the Browns for nearly two weeks. Gladstone stated the team prioritized acquiring the versatile Colorado player due to his perceived ability to impact the game on both offense and defense.
Hunter is expected to begin his professional career primarily on offense while learning the defensive system. Coach Liam Coen indicated the plan allows for flexibility as the season progresses. The team aims for Hunter to elevate quarterback Trevor Lawrence's performance and the team's overall play. The first shocking move of the 2025 NFL Draft was the Jacksonville Jaguars trading up from the No.5 pick to No.2 and selecting Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter.
The Jaguars' move occurred early in the draft, contrasting with the draft position of another notable Colorado player, quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was widely projected as an early-round selection but experienced a draft slide.
Sanders was eventually drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round with the 144th pick. Shedeur Sanders was drafted by Browns in Round 5... Colorado QB finally selected with Pick No. 144. He was selected behind five other quarterbacks, a notable fall from earlier projections. Shedeur Sanders falling in NFL Draft a reflection of how Colorado QB, Deion Sanders handled pre-draft process.
Other top picks included Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter to the New York Giants at No. 3 and Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, also to the Giants, at No. 25 after they traded back into the first round.
Gladstone framed the trade for Hunter as an indicator of the team's future approach. He expressed a desire for boldness when opportunities arise.
"Over the course of your life, you experience moments in which you didn’t do something out of fear," Gladstone said. "So that’s not something I intend on doing the rest of my life."
